A nurse has just received hand-off communication at the start of their shift. After reviewing each client's status, which of the following clients should the nurse see first?

A. A 3-year-old toddler who aspirated several sunflower seeds and continues to cough with an O₂ saturation of 91%. This child is the highest priority due to the risk of airway obstruction. Persistent coughing and decreased oxygen saturation suggest partial obstruction, which could worsen. Immediate assessment and intervention are necessary to prevent respiratory distress or complete airway blockage. B. A 6-year-old child admitted with asthma exacerbation who used a rescue inhaler 16 hours ago. While asthma exacerbations can be serious, this child is currently stable since there is no indication of respiratory distress or worsening symptoms requiring immediate intervention. C. A 15-year-old adolescent who had a laparoscopic appendectomy 30 hours ago, rates their pain a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10, and is preparing for discharge this morning. This client is stable, with mild pain and no reported complications. They do not require immediate attention. D. An 18-month-old admitted for dehydration 2 days ago who has had six wet diapers in the last 24 hours and ate 90% of their meals. This child's hydration status appears to be improving, with adequate urine output and good oral intake, making them a lower priority compared to a child with respiratory compromise.